This year, Travel + Leisure ranked Richmond # 3 on its Best Places to Travel list, and National Geographic included our region on its list of Where to Travel for Food in 2016. But where you won’t find Richmond is on the list of the best public school systems in America. That’s why we’re renewing and expanding our focus to support the education continuum on the micro and macro levels here in RVA.

Our approach

Over the past 59 years, Robins Foundation has invested an estimated $100 million to strengthen the Richmond community. We’ve found that our most successful partnerships, the ones that create the most impact, incorporate three key elements:

• Programs that address issues in alignment with our mission, vision and values
• Organizations with which we have been a proactive and engaged partner (more than a check writer)
• Opportunities to creatively leverage the resources within emerging communities

Why focus on education?

“…education is the greatest investment that any individual or corporation or foundation could possibly make. It is something that has an impact not only on the present generation but on many, many generations to come.”
– E. Claiborne Robins, Sr.

Nearly 15,000 children in Richmond are living in poverty; the data shows that this issue is not confined to the city limits. According to former White House and congressional advisor Ron Haskins, “Education is universally regarded as the best inoculation against poverty.” We believe all children and families should have the opportunity to thrive. Supporting services that enhance and transform Richmond’s public education system will help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

We’re looking to support evidenced-based programs that will provide access to educational opportunities in emerging neighborhoods. Programs can support education at the macro or micro level and should focus on measurable outcomes such as kindergarten preparedness, reading on grade level in 3rd grade, on-time graduation rates and college and career placement.

Ready to apply?

If your organization is working to provide transformative educational opportunities for students in our community, we want to hear your ideas. Our Focus Area Grant application for Fall 2016 is open and the deadline to apply is June 3 at noon. Applications are only accepted through our online system, Smart Simple. To access an application, click here. If you have any questions about our Focus Area Grant cycle, please contact info@robinsfdn.org.